Transmountain Challenge

It's been about two months since I completed my last half marathon before surgery. I wanted to cross Texas off my list of states so I headed to El Paso to knock out the Transmountain Challenge. 

I hit a small brewery in Las Cruces, NM for some chos and peach beer. Pretty good! This was their Xsmall plate. Perfect for just me.

I made it down to the Golden Horseshoe that Mom and I hit a few years earlier. Kind of a gross place, but you can find great deals. Also helps if you speak Spanish. The only thing I could remember from my recent trip to Tulum, MX was asking how much; however, everything was appropriately marked and I just did a bit of nodding to get through it all. 

I later hit a little dive called Taps down that direction as well. The chos were even better. 

I probably shouldn't have drank all the beer but I considered it carbo loading. I headed back to my hotel and prepped for the run the next morning.

Parking was a bit of a mess because half the roads were shut down. You had to drive around the barricades to park which wasn't exactly intuitive. 

The morning wasn't terribly chilly. The first mile or so was relatively flat. Heading into mile 2 my running partner slipped on some rocks and almost ate it. He tweaked his ankle a bit but managed to keep running. We maintained a 2:1 run/walk interval for most of it until we got to the crazy steep parts of the hill. It was about 6 miles of uphill. I wanted to die. The breeze was chilly, especially after you work up a sweat. My hamstrings (what I've always thought to be ischial bursitis is actually torn hamstrings after 3 years of misdiagnosis) were killing me with the uphill! I was actually walking faster with less energy than running so we skipped a few intervals and reversed them for a bit. The scenery was pretty though.

Down hill was AWESOME! It felt good to work different muscles. We even managed to make up for some of our lost time from the hill. 

On our descent, this pack of runners ran by us when we were on a walk interval. They shouted something about not giving up trying to be encouraging. It really was just annoying. If I stop, encourage me. If I'm walking, keep your mouth closed. We dusted them on our next run interval and never saw them again. 

About mile 10-11 is when my posterior tibial tendonitis started to kick in. I slowed way down. We still managed to finish in roughly 2:37 which given the hill really isn't that bad! I should also mention we dressed as foxes....what does a fox say by the way?

I managed to get back to the hotel before checkout so I could get in a quick shower. I hopped in the car and headed straight back to Tucson. 

For a final race, I'd say it felt pretty good and deem it a success.

Chips and Salsa Half Marathon (THE BIRTHDAY HALF)

The week before my birthday, I decided I had to find a half marathon on my birthday.  Besides, it's not like a birthday falls on a weekend day every year.  I found the Chips and Salsa Half Marathon in Albuquerque, NM.  Since NACHOS are my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE FOOD, and chips and salsa is a close relative, I thought this would be perfect.

As is typical for my running adventures, no one could or wanted to go with me. Bleh and boo hoo and all that jazz.  As I was getting ready to head out, I thought I'd Google some things to do.  I found a list that named Downtown ABQ as a good place to hang, so I expanded the list and noticed Hot Yoga Downtown Albuquerque studio.  I've always wanted to try it because I want so desperately to LOVE yoga - I know my hammies certainly need it!  And guess what! They had a class I could actually make...provided I got my ass in gear and got out the door.  The only down fall was my yoga mat was at work (we do lunch time yoga at work once a week).  So I really needed to move because it would still take less time to find a local Walmart and grab a cheapy mat.  That is exactly what I did.

I took the back roads to ABQ.  It took the same amount of time but was about 60 miles shorter than taking I10 all the way there.  I made it to Walmart quick like, grabbed my packet and headed across town.  The interstate system through town was pretty awesome unlike Tucson, so it was easy to get around.

I told the studio I was new to Hot Yoga and visiting for a run. Another guy who walked in with me was also new to the studio and Hot Yoga, so that made me feel a little better. I thought he'd be a pro either way since he showed up in all Lululemon men's gear.  I'd done little research on Hot Yoga...so I had an "Oh crap" moment when I realized it was 90 minutes, but thankful they had a shower (which is standard). I was also thankful that I'd brought my EcoVessel with me to keep cold water in...which I drained with a quickness in the hot and humid room.

As we started going through the flows, Mr. Lululemon started sitting out more and more. I was happy I was hanging although not going as deep as some of the other people. I know it is about some zen meditation, but my miniature competitive streak was still happy. I finished. I was oh so thankful for the relaxation at the end!

After a quick shower...undressing was the slow part. It's hard to peel wet clothes off, I decided to hit the Lululemon store...mainly because I was jealous I didn't have fancy Hot Yoga gear.   The dressing room attendants were awesome.  I chose a pair of Groovy Run Shorts with a pretty cherry blossom pattern.  It turns out the people at Lululemon were volunteering at the race the next day too.  They promised to remember my name and cheer me on. I thought it was sweet.


In my search for ABQ activities, I stumbled on a Mexican restaurant called El Pinto.  Apparently many famous people have eaten there and loved it. It also happens that they have America's Best Nachos according to the Wall Street Journal in 2006.

So here they are! This was a huge portion (and only a half portion at that) with a bit of something on every chip and all very fresh. However, they lacked any real complex flavors. It was simply freshness and nose watering jalapeños.

After my carbo nacho load, I headed to the hotel and prepped for the next day. I got very little sleep due to the storms and the stupid flood mass alert siren on my phone. Bleh.  I managed to crawl out of bed, eat a little something, pack the car and head to the race with a little time to spare. 

I expected the race to be small but I was a bit frustrated with the lack of organization. Most people couldn't find the start line...and none of us could figure out the map. Once we found the start line, we realized we were facing the wrong way...which caused the race to start late since we all had to flip around.  The race director ensured us the course was well marked.  And it was.

The course wound through a lot of neat neighborhoods.  There were many gorgeous houses that I fantasized about owning some day. I even spotted some hot air balloons which always makes me smile.

There were plenty of water and Gatorade stops along the way, but no fuel, gels, snacks, gummies, whatever.  Make sure you bring you own if you ever do this race.

At the second water stop, I saw a hot dog.  The hot dog looked familiar... I was just happy to see someone else dressed up since I only saw a taco racing...and of course I had my sombrero and mustache.  As I passed the hot dog, a girl yelled my name and sure enough it was the crew from ABQ Lululemon!  They remembered me!  It was pretty awesome considered I was wearing a hat, had no name on my bib and wasn't wearing my new Lulu shorts and they still found me!  It made my birthday pretty special since no one else was there to cheer me on.

Around mile 10, my ankles started to hate me and I gimped along the last three miles trying to do a 2:1 interval without a timer.  I need a backup app for that (one that won't mess with Nike+) for when I leave my Gym Boss at home.  As I approached the finish line, people were standing under it holding it up for me.  I hate those things.  It's not the first one to collapse on me and ruin my final moments of a run.  I'm pretty sure I finished close to last with 2:53 (even though there was a 3:30 cut off). 

I then made my way over to the snacks.  Water, granola bars and fig cookie bars...and wait for it....wait for it.... HALF A BURRITO! WTF?! NO chips and salsa?!?!?! This was a Chips and Salsa Half not a Burrito Half! Oh well, I was happy to have half a meal in my tummy for the drive home.

 

As you can see the bling isn't too terribly spectacular.  You'd think they'd do more since it was the 10th anniversary, but oh well. I did at least have the opportunity to double dip and earn my virtual Birthday Bash 5k medal.

Once I got back into town which took a bit longer due to the flooding (I'm sure the car floated at one point out on the reservation), a friend took me out to Blanco's for nachos (of course).  They are tied for number one nacho spot with Sir Vezas.  I had a couple of margaritas (hello Mango Jalapeno) and birthday flan!

Extraterrestrial Full Moon Midnight 10k

I opted for the 10k length of the ET Full Moon Midnight races for two reasons.  The first is that I wanted to be relatively functional to avoid any buses that smell like shit.  That was terrible last year.  I can understand BO but smelling an overflowing toilet for three hours was not my idea of a good time.  The second reason later developed in the form of posterior tibial tendonitis.

I got up early and headed to Vegas.  I ran some errands once in town.  I had read a bit about some SwiftWick socks and thought since the running store was closer to my hotel than a local running store is to my house that this was a great opportunity to run and grab some.  I checked into the hotel and headed to Fremont Street for lunch.  $1.25 hot dog.  It's a must.  I don't know why...but I crave hot dogs the instant I hit the city limits. I also went to the Main Street Brewery and ordered a flight of beers.  Carbo load right?  Hey, it was still early.  Not like it would still have an effect.

Later, I headed to the expo to get my packet and bus tickets for my spectator.  He was cranky, but I was still happy to have someone there cheering me on.  The expo is always simple and cute.  While it was crowded for such a small race, the lines went quickly.  The race director, Joyce, seemed bombarded but managed to get everyone taken care of.  Of course, I had to get details on the costume contest.  I HAD to enter the costume contest!!!

I managed to do a whole whopping 2 laps in the pool at the hotel and get in an hour nap before starting to munch on my final meal.  It wasn't very exciting - cold sweet potato hash and sausage.  I munched off someone who had that pre-race before and since I'm semi paleo/whole30 at the moment, I thought that would be a good idea.  It was just OK.

The bus ride took about 3 hours.  The 2-2.5 hours from Vegas is really only if you are driving yourself. Despite the bus being marked quiet, it was rather chatty so not much sleeping going on.  We stopped for the marathon drop, but no one got off the bus since it was a 10k only bus.  We made it to the Lil A'Le' Inn by 11:45.  It took all my will power to NOT buy a beer before the race.  I love my beer.

The costume - lets talk about the costume! I rocked a metallic blue spandex suit.  I had loads of sparkly blue makeup on and a green tutu.  I wore the green tutu mainly to cover the fact that I had a zippered crotch (this isn't a "normal" costume based on some of the strangely posed models).  Of course even though I had short shorts on underneath, I still couldn't use the zipper.  The tutu also matched my spiffy glasses.  The costume was super hot, but once outside in Rachel, it felt good!

Anywho, I won Best Female Costume.  The Nevada shaped rock in my hand was my trophy :)  I was super excited.  I didn't run but maybe a 1/4 mile in the glasses, gloves and with the ray gun.

The first 5k was a PR for me.  About 31 minutes.  The second half was a bit slower since my tendonitis started to bug me.  I finished in about 1:13.  My GPS said it was only 6.18...so I wandered around the parking lot for a minute.  Then I went and claimed my breakfast.  It's good when you are hungry, but any other time it would be horrible.  The veggies were dry, hard boiled eggs were over cooked, but the rest was good.  I wish I was more of a biscuits and gravy person...but eh.  It just doesn't do it for me.  Plus, I was trying to avoid that doing some of the semi-Whole30/paleo diet stuff. 

Now....how will I out do this next year?!

Tri To Help - Mesa Edition

Last weekend, I completed my first triathlon - Tri To Help in Mesa, AZ.  For people who have never completed a triathlon, this is an EXCELLENT start.

My ONLY issue was I thought they needed signage.  I know it was a VERY small even (limited to 8 people per wave), but I was still LOST walking around.  It probably wouldn't be like that at every event, especially if you attend the YMCA - oh yeah, it was held at a YMCA.

The awesome thing - it was mostly indoors.  First, you grabbed your score sheet and some Activate, then headed to the locker room to prep.  Once you meander to the pool area, they marked your calf and arm with your number.

The swim was 10 minutes long and the water was super warm.  I'm a terrible swimmer even though I have been practicing.  I hate sharing lanes because I'm terrified I'm going to knock someone out...sure enough I was the only one who ended up sharing a lane.  The guy was big so it didn't make a lot of sense to me how that was figured out.  He had a huge wake which threw me off my game a little bit, but I survived and managed 16 one-way laps (that's how they count them).  They marked my sheet 15, but the hash marks were 16 and I know I was an even number based on how where I was when I finished.

I then had 10 minutes to change into my cycling gear and get to the Spin room.  I clearly need some better gear - like the kind that glides right on when you are damp.  I used a camp towel which is great for light drying, but not so great for the heavy stuff since it feels like it just pushes the water around till it evaporates.

The biking wasn't so bad.  It was hard to get comfortable and you obviously lose time if you have to stop and adjust your bike every so often.  Plus, there was no tension on the bike so I bounced a LOT.  My poor butt killed me pretty much all week.  I was still happy with my pace and made it about 8.34 miles before time was up.

Next, you had 5 minutes to get down to the treadmill.  I managed to run to the locker room and get my iPod and head phones and get my ankle brace on just in time.  I've never been so frustrated walking before though.  I wanted to run so bad.  Oddly enough, at a 4.2 mph pace, it was more painful on my posterior tibial tendonitis than running felt.  The last minute and a half I gave up and broke into a run.  It was GLORIOUS! I'd missed it so much.  And for some reason, I find it easier to run on a high tech treadmill.  It wasn't nearly as annoying as being at home doing it.  Maybe it was because it was bigger, more roomy, not as claustrophobic...  Anywho, I made it 1.42 miles in 20 minutes.  Not bad for mostly walking.  I am short afterall.

There weren't a lot of women to compete in this - 22 I believe.  I placed 14.  I'll take it and maybe next year, I'll do better.  I'm still pleased with my first time results.  However, it did not cure my nervousness about doing one outside with "real" transitions.  There is one coming up in April that will be local.  I look forward to it (pending ankle surgery decision/outcome).

Slosh Pipe Done!

The pipe I got for under $4 measures about 6' x 3". I know they should be longer, but I'm rather short.  I thought something smaller would be a good start. I glued on a white PVC cap on one end (they are cheaper) and bought an adjustable steel cap for the other end. With the testing so far, it holds :-) I filled it about 3/4 full with water and a splash of bleach. The whole project costed under $15 (I already had the PVC glue from my DIY irrigation). Not bad for a 20-25ish lb weight. I foresee some sore abs!

Gym Under Construction

I belong to a Facebook group... It is geared towards women and obstacle course racing (OCR). Someone wanted to know if cross fit boxes were worth it. Since I'm broke and all of my credit card debt is related to racing, my answer is: it may be worth it, but I can't afford it (this is where I laugh and say I need a husband or a better job).

This put me in the mood to start myown "box" at home as it related to my previous blog post.,.

First off, I went to my favorite thrift shop in search of belts for yoga bag straps (for making my yoga mat bags out of the left over denim from my sand bags out of old jeans). I found the handmade, adjustable kettle bell! I behaved and didn't buy it but still I was in shock and awe that it was there. My first though was, "well, it must suck if its here." My second was, "that's 40 lbs of weight for $15!"  Still I was good because I knew I was going to build other things today!

Side note, my workout today - 25 lb sandbagged 4 mile walk, followed by  a nice nap because I couldn't bring myself to go try my freebie pass at LA Fitness. When I finally dragged myself out of bed, I knew the lanes had just switch from 100 m to 50 m and the local pool would be semi empty. I drove down quick like and did a slow 1/2 mile swim to test my new goggles and practice my dog paddle skills. Once I finished I hit the thrift shop. 

At the thrift shop, I scored an aerobics step for $4 and (HUGE AND) a Michael Khors sequin tank top. For a dinky sequin wife beater - you know that would have been MAYBE $12-20 somewhere. But it was MK! $6!!! Score!

Then I ran to Home Depot. I bought a half sheet of plywood since I had enough left over from the glorious Murphy bed to make a plyo box, caps for my slosh pipe (I got a deal on a broken piece from a dinky hardware store 6' x 3" for under $4), 200' of rope, and supplies for a spear! Finally! The spear!

My friend Daniel (one of my favorite builder friends - I have two - and one who helped with the first two days of the Murphy bed build) came to help. We managed to make the 18" x 20" x 24" box. There was one miscut along the way...probably related to the vodka soaked watermelon, but we managed to epoxy fix it. Probably not smart for a heavy person, but I anticipate a lot more stepping than I do jumping due to my ankle issues and I'm lighter than a guy. Lots of glue and lots of screws and we ended up with this.

I'm rather proud of it. Labeled almost all of the sides. Killed a sharpie marking all of the sides. But...not only is it an awesome plyo box and huge stair stepper, it makes an awesome step stool.

Now, I have a knock off TRX from Woss Enterprises or something or other. It's great. TRX is very commercialized. You pay a lot of money for one of those. And -  I think they are worth it...for a gym. At home, you don't need something that heavy duty. I like that they have kind of a stopper loop (like my tech term there?) but that is really all my Woss is missing! People aren't using it 3-4 times a day 7 days a week. It's just me and I use it 1-3 days a week for a few minutes and to help with balance (I really need to get back on that once school is out...again....).  Sooooo... I have a hook in my gimpy vaulted ceiling in my living room. Yes, everyone that walks in thinks my Woss is a sex swing. But it's the highest point I have. That is until I scrounge up some cash and ask the ex-neighbor welder to build me an A frame type structure off the peak for climbing. Of course that's if he doesn't want to kill me for turning his barking dogs in as abandoned dogs.... Long story.

So, Daniel and I also set out to try some of the braiding techniques Id posted earlier. Maybe it was the drinks. Maybe it was that we'd been outside messing with  the box in the heat. Maybe it was that the instructions sucked! We couldn't for he life of us get anything going that remotely looked like a decent braid for weaving 8 strands of 3/8 poly rope together! I gave up and googled a tutorial on braiding 4 strands. This was because I had 2 100' ropes I'd cut to 50' then doubled to 25'. That was really my best option at this point. He got it and he braided the WHOLE thing while I untangled the ends.

Here are my gimp instructions.

Supplies:

2 different colors of 100' rope

Lighter

Scissors

Zip ties

Duct tape

D ring or something you can attach it too and hang it from 

While we were trying to figure out the instructions for braiding 8 individual strands, we had rolled up the excess rope and zip tied it. It made the untangling a bit easier. We also laid all the rope out straight and sprawled it out up top and taped it to keep it straightened out. When we came up with the 4 braid idea, we also bundled the sets of two ropes together with a loose zip strip. We slid this down as we got further down the rope and unwound it. Once they were unbundled, I duct taped the ends to the wouldn't get retangled as we threw the ropes around braiding them. 

Make sure you burn the ends when you're done. This will help to keep them from unraveling. Don't cook your fingers shaping the rope ends either (speaking from experience).

Once we were done braiding, we duct taped all of the ends together. I put a zip strip over the ended too just for an added measure. 

I did a group burn after that hoping some would melt together for added protection from unraveling.

Here is the final rope.

The other style of braiding was coming out too flat anyway. I like that this is more round although knobby. It will make a good starter rope. It has some stretch to it, but I think it will settle eventually.

In the end, 25' shrunk down to 19'. Not bad!

Sand Bag Workout for under $35.00

After reading through a lot of the GoRuck info (because I'm totally obsessing over completing one), I noticed they are now allowing you to use sand bags instead of those bricks!  I did a 3 mile walk with those bricks.  It sucked.  I don't care how much padding there is, they still seem "sharp." My back was tender the next day! I was having a hard time imagining walking, jogging, trekking, doing pushups and bear crawls for 8-10 hours with that digging into my back.

Considering I don't know how long it will take for my ankle to heal and I don't want to spend a whole lot of money (because there are race entries to buy!!), I decided to do some research on making my own sand bags.  Sand bag systems which include a duffel bag of sorts and a number of empty sand bags designed to hold 5-20 lbs of sand each are EXPENSIVE!  The cheapest one I found was a 60 lb set for $42 on eBay which actually seemed relatively reasonable, but I wanted more options and combinations than what the kit provided. Even the "sand bells" that we carry for an obstacle in a Spartan race are $20+...IT'S A SAND BAG!!!!  Then you have to go buy sand.  Sand is relatively cheap, but still!  It just seems crazy how they are priced.

Here is the supply list:
Zip lock baggies (gallon and quart sizes)
3 mil contractor trash bags
Duct tape (I used two 10 yd. rolls)
Sand
Scale
2-3 pairs of old jeans (men's work best - bigger legs)
Velcro (I used "industrial strength" which was sticky back...and not to friendly on the sewing machine)
Sharpie
Sewing machine and all the notions that go with it - thread, scissors, tape measure (if you're picky), pins if you want everything to hold still (I hate pins).

My first task was to fill the zip locks full of my desired weight of sand.  This was kind of a two step process.  I'd fill one zip lock, weigh it, then dump it into a NEW zip lock because dust was getting in the zipper and making it break.  The purpose of the zip locks was mainly for form since I thought using a HUGE bag would be difficult when it came time to shape.

Next, I taped the top of the zip lock closed with duct tape.

Remember to squeeze the air out before you duct tape them shut.


With a 60 lb. bag, I ended up with 5 10 lb. bags, 1 5 lb. bag and 1 3 lb. bag.  I'm going to guess that since my digital scale only did 1/2 lb. increments that some of them could be off by about 1/4 of a lb. to cause only 3 lbs. to be left.  Oh well.



Next, shove the sand bag inside of a contractor trash bad and start rolling into a neat little package.

Yeah - spacing/layout sucks...one day I'll care enough to learn HTML to fix it.

Eventually, it will roll up into a nice neat little package.










Getting smaller.  Press the air out.

Now wrap it in lots of duct tape! You could cover the whole thing but I really just wanted enough to give it some shape and hold the rolled parts of the bag in place while sealing the final edges.

The jeans - kind of a crappy picture, BUT they are jeans...and I think everyone knows what they look like.

The reason they almost look new is because my friend works for a clothing retailer.  These were returned because the back pocket rivet was ripping out of the pants leaving a hole.  They were going to be trashed, but he rescued them.










Next, measure.  You could be technical and account for fancy seams and hems and such...but I plan on beating these.  They will almost ALWAYS be inside of another bag, so I wasn't really picky about it.  This was how I measured: Lay out everything on top of the jeans and cut with a little bit of hem/finishing room to spare.

Flip the jeans inside out to prep for sewing.

If you are starting to reach the upper thigh part of the jeans, you may wish to add a seam for more of a straight line.

It's really a lot more straight looking, I swear.  I just did two rows of straight stitch.  I don't really know my stitches...and even after 15 years using the same sewing machine, I still don't have a clue how to really adjust everything to make it do the fancy stuff.

This was the already finished bottom of the jeans.  This worked well for my quart sized bags of sand (5 lbs. or less).

Next, stick on your Velcro.  Since I knew it would be holding a bit of weight and I MIGHT some day add some nylon straps, I wanted to make sure it stayed so I sewed around all of the edges of the Velcro.

When I had two unfinished edges of denim, I stuck the Velcro over top of the top unfinished edge thinking it might help with some of the "catching" of the bag and subsequent unraveling should I take the sand out.

Once you flip it back right side out and stuff your sand bags into it. Here is what it looks like.

I used a sharpie to write the weight on the outside.  It wasn't like they were designed to hold much more than that so I didn't have any issues permanently marking them (sometimes I have commitment issues). 

I really just need one more pair of jeans to cover my last sand bag, but you could always use a larger portion of the leg and stick two sand bags in tight for a 20 lb. bag.

This pic reminds me of minions for some reason....

Now to wait for my back ordered duffel bag from Amazon - worst case, I pay the extra $1 and get it in OD green. I just like black because pink accents look better on it :)

Cost:
Duct tape: $4.00
Sand: $4.00
Trash Bags: $16.00 for a box of 32. I used 7 bags for a total of $3.50.  You could probably use regular trash bags and just add more duct tape too. 
Industrial Strength Velcro: $8.00
Baggies: Had them. Won't miss them.
Sharpie: Had it.
Jeans: Donated.
Duffel Bag: $14.00

Grand Total: $33.50

Now....what to do with the left over butt of the jeans... maybe a Kindle case or a bag or a yoga mat carrier even though I HATE yoga!

Oh - and for those of you who ended up with the sticky Velcro

Rockin' the Tape

May 20, 2013

Well, I have an angry posterior tibial tendon and I’m bored with my shoes.  I typically wear Brooks Adrenaline GTS NARROW shoes with Power Step Max insoles.  I’ve already had one ankle corrected, but the “good” one is the one that is having the tendonitis issue.  It’s annoying and frustration.  I want to run.  I also want to wear REALLY cool shoes. I just bought the 13s, but I really want to take them back and maybe try some Newtons so I can work on correcting my form.  I’ve read they have some stability ones that might be a decent option for my poor feet.  All the show whining aside, I can’t run right now ANYWAY, so I’m not sure why I’m obsessing over shoes.  Instead, I should be obsessing about the different colors of KT tape I need in order to match my outfits!  Black goes with everything, but I hear the pink calling me.

In the mean time while I’m pouting over not running, I’m trying to work on my cycling and swimming. I hate having water in my face so I’m struggling with that.  I also know that running and biking are the two worst things I can do for my bursitis.  What’s a girl to do other than go stir crazy and practice burpees?!  Here’s hoping I can get in a few good runs before I give in and decide to have another ankle surgery.  I’m just feeling like there isn’t enough KT tape in the world for me right now!

Where Have I Been...?

March 6, 2013

Well, lets start with training for the Goofy Challenge.  It was going well.  I was using my scheduled half marathons for training runs.  By the time I made it to NWM, I was feeling ok and my max mileage was 17 miles.  I was training for the Goofy Challenge after all.  However, around mile 8, my IT band was ANGRY! I hobbled the last 5 miles.

I started doing lots of stretching and rolling (I use a stick).  I managed to PR my next run two weeks later! Wohoo!!!  I finished up 2012 with two more runs without issue.   However, during some training runs my shins started to hurt – like hurt to touch – hurt.  Not so much pain during running as afterwards.  I decided to take it easy through January.

THEN, I got ready to fight with the Goofy Challenge.  I was SO worried I was going to get swept!  I got in with a group called Run Disney So I Can Eat Disney.  They are a wonderful bunch of people! I would not have survived without them.  I actually feel like I did better during the full than the half.  Towards the last three miles of the half, I was ready to die.  It wasn’t until mile 21 in the full that I wanted to die.  Maybe it was because I got to ride Expedition Everest half way through.   How many people can say they rode a roller coaster in the middle of a full marathon?!

Also, through this WONDERFUL RDSICED group, we had a Three Little Pigs bacon challenge.  At mile 24 (and a half-ish) we had a tent where we could eat bacon and get something to drink.  Of course I wanted beer!  Who else can say they ate bacon and drank beer during the middle of a full marathon!?  I also met a really nice guy who stuck with me the whole way.  He was part of the group as well.  As we are finishing off our last two miles, he magically comes from behind me with another beer!  I was jealous.  He snagged it from a stranger who was double fisting ha.  He shared it with me and we pounded out the last little bit.

After I got home, I thought, “Wow, I could change my P.F. Chang’s Rock N Roll Half to the full and qualify for Marathon Maniacs!”  So, that’s what I did.  It hurt.  A lot.  My calf seized at around 11 miles and even then I was run walking.  Running was completely out of the question.  Then, I strained my groin as I do often.  It was a miserable run, but I finished and got my Double Down medal.

As for now, I’ve fallen in love with TRX, suspension training.  I do that often since I’ve been advised to take it easy.  I haven’t done more than 5 miles since the full.  However, I’m looking forward to the Arizona Distance Classic.  It will feel good to run again!

Nike Motivation

October 11, 2012

I was searching around for some Nike stuff since I’m leaving tomorrow for San Francisco to meet up with an old friend and the many ladies from Team Victorious.  I stumbled upon the Run Eat Repeat blog.  Monica had some old Nike ads for motivation and they seem very fitting, so I thought I’d repost them here so I can easily reference them

The first one from Competitor Magazine:
“You pretended the snooze button didn’t exist. You dragged your butt out of bed while others slept. While others ate their pancakes you had a feast of protein, glucose and electrolytes. You double-knotted. You left the porch light on and locked the door behind you. You ran 5Ks, 10Ks, 26.2 miles. Some days more, some days less. You rewarded a long run with a short run. And a short run with a long run. Rain tried to slow you. Sun tried to microwave you. Snow made you feel like a warrior. You cramped. You bonked. You paid no mind to comfort. On weekends. On holidays. You made excuses to keep going. Questioned yourself. Played mind games. Put your heart before your knees. Listened to your breathing. Sweat sunscreen into your eyes. Worked on your farmer’s tan. You hit the wall. You went through it. You decided to be man about it. You decided to be woman about it. Finished what you started. Proved what you were made of. Just kept putting mile after mile on your interval odometer. For 25 years, you ran. And we ran with you. How much farther will we go? As far as you will.”

The second one and probably the most fitting for me:

No one runs in my family.
I am not built like a runner.
My bones aren’t weightless.
My legs aren’t gazelle-like.
As a child, no one ever said,
“Now that one…she’s going
to be a runner.”
I am not a marathon runner.
But, I know that no one
is a marathon runner until
they actually run one.

Love Hate Ice Baths

October 8, 2012

I think I have a love hate relationship with ice baths.  I HATE being cold.  I don’t even want to put ice on an isolated area to relieve pain.  When I had my ankle surgery and my WAY too tight cast, the ice was brutal.  Especially in December when I’m already shivering. How much colder could my toes have possibly gotten?!

After my birthday run, I felt miserable – hung over, hot, sore, ready to toss cookies- you name it.  I complained and shivered and would only squat in the ice bath.  I’ve heard they are wonderful, but this was my first experience.  I suppose it helped, but the hang over was a thousand times worse than any muscle aches I was experiencing.  Yeah, yeah – my bad for getting that tipsy the night before a run.  I just can’t turn down a drink though and I certainly can’t waste one!  It was my birthday.  I’ll drink and run like a crazy person if I want to!

Over the weekend, as part of my Goofy Challenge training, I needed to complete 7 miles Saturday and 17 on Sunday.  After doing the 7 miles, I’d also signed up for an evening 5k.  Not only can I NOT turn down a drink, I also can’t resist a LOCAL 5k with a medal.  After the 5k I was convinced I wasn’t going to make the 17 miles.  So I stopped at the store for my favorite beer and a bag of ice.  I filled the tub with cold water,  tied my shirt in a knot so it stayed out of the water,  plopped in the cold water in all of my clothes with a bit of mild squealing and then dumped the bag of ice in the water.  I was pretty miserable after, but I’m pretty sure it helped my shins so that I could complete the 17 miles the next day.

So, yes, I managed to complete the 17 miles on Sunday.  I was rather pleased with my 4 hour time because it also included a pit stop by the house to refill my Camelbak and take some meds for my bursistis.  It even got a bit warm because I failed to get out of bed in a timely manner (mmmmm, bed….it loves me and I love it).  When I got home, I jumped in the car to buy more ice (because it is easier to fight with a bag of ice rather than my ice maker box dohicky thingie).  Another miserable 20 minutes, but I wasn’t terribly sore the rest of the day.  More tired than sore I suppose.

Now it’s Monday.  I want to go run some more.  Not bad for the 40ish combined minutes of misery in the tub.  I WILL force myself to take the day off though!

Motivation WRU?

September 25, 2012

My motivation is so far out the window right now it is simply a spec in the sky.  Given that I was not born with a runner’s body, I suppose that is a large portion of my problem. Foot pain, bursitis pain (only 9 more days until my next cortisone shot)…and for some reason, I’ve been dizzy and off balance since I went to Vegas.  I’m also slightly bummed that I have about 17 days that I can cram 116 miles in so I can reach Nike+ Blue Level.  I’m thinking I need to give up on that…I’m not seeing a way to average almost 7 miles a day without Nike bringing back up the pedometer server (jerks!) or dropping $150 on a Fuel Band so it tracks EVERYTHING.  Work weeks are killer lately and this is an 8 day work week.  I need MORE time.

All whining aside, I am VERY excited to meet up with the Team Victorious girls, get my Tiffany’s necklace, drool over firemen in tuxedos, eat chocolate and hang with a dear friend from back in Virginia.  I believe the exact date of the last time we hung out was February 27, 2005.  We fell asleep in the closet (it was a big closet) while waiting for the movers to pack the van so I could move to Arizona.  She was living in Key West when I went back for my reunion so I didn’t get to see her then.  It should be a good time – and it will be wonderful to have someone at the finish line.  I just hope I don’t cry when I finish this – I’ve seen a picture of a hill and it just made everything hurt by looking at it!

Running Addict

September 7, 2012

These days, I’m having a hard time turning down a run with spiffy swag and medals (still avoiding that over used B word – you know the one that isn’t cool anymore because your mom uses it? Yes, that one).Virtual races may be the death of my bank account! There are so many I want to do.  I’m glad I put up the conquests page otherwise I’d be clueless.

So I suppose I’m wondering how I talk myself out of some of these runs.  I was gifted a car this year for my birthday and Christmas…and probably every other birhtday and Christmas for the next five years.  This car just so happens to get better gas mileage, making getting to some of these runs a smidge cheaper with a lot less worry.  I think I’ll work on this thought process some more later.  I must get a move on with my day so that I can cram all of my stuff into it…and it will serve as a distraction to keep me from thinking about  the four runs that are calling my name – Las Vegas Rock n Roll, Really Big Free Vegas Half, Hoover Dam Half and the WDW 5k making for the Dopey Challenge…Dopey is the most affordable and I’m going to be there anway.  Did you notice how I just went right back into fantasizing about runs?!  Ahh! Getting ready for work now!

Sometimes I Get Lucky

August 23, 2013

Since I haven’t written about this, I think it’s time that I catch the world up on the super exciting zenful (is that a word?) moment I hope to live in for the next three weeks.

While rambling about my crazy Extraterrestrial Midnight Full Moon Half Marathon I was going to do in Rachel, NV (near Area 51), a co-worker noticed my posts on Facebook.  He asked if I need a hotel while I was there.  After explaining it was going to be a sleep deprived 26 hours up and back  and that I probably wouldn’t get a room because spending $60 at the Motel 6 for 5 hours of sleep seemed stupid, I told him he should go.  He said he didn’t have the time.  Just to make sure, I asked if he had anyone else he knew that was going before the two free nights expired.  He said no…I decided I’d gladly take them and make it happen if he didn’t care when so long as I used the nights before they expired.  This is where I proceeded to do the happy, hoppy, screaming all over the house dance…for like 30 minutes until I was worn out.  It JUST SO HAPPENS (duh duh duh) that there is a half marathon, in Las Vegas, on my BIRTHDAY!  DO you have any idea how bad last year sucked?!
Now back up a minute, I mean, it was my BIG 3-0 last year and my ex boyfriend who randomly wants to date me before his testicles retract into his gut and he becomes a commitaphobe again (he just said I couldn’t use his name in this blog, so I’m not, and I will continue to talk shit because I feel it’s fair…mean, but fair – I’m still dealing with my emotional scars…which have made me kind of a man hater).  So for my 30th, I cried a lot, killed a bottle of wine by myself, then drunk dialed a guy who I’d been chatting with online for a while (from an on-line dating site)…and said, “hey, I wans sushis. Les go.  Can yous come geeet meee?”  Drank a bunch more, ate sushi (my treat…yes…drunk Cassidy paid for her own birthday sushi…this is when I learned to stop being bitchy independent, let random other dates fondle my leg, I deserve free birthday sushi!  Then, played some drunk ladder golf, I jumped on my outdoor bed (yes, outdoor bed) and twisted my ankle.  No running for me for a while.  How’s that for ultimately depressing?

And back to the current birthday plans. I will be staying in Caesar’s Palace, running a half marathon on my birthday (although this is the first run this group has put on, so hopefully it’s not a disaster…so long as I get a medal, I don’t care). Now, who to take with me… I asked that same ex boyfriend from last year who couldn’t commit but was a maybe because of school.  Yeah, maybe doesn’t work for me because by the time it’s figured out, it’s way short notice for everyone else.  I asked another friend who has kids and no reliable over-nite sitter.  I dropped hints to a new prospect guy who is unavailable that wekend.  Then, light bulb.  I’ll contact my friend on the east coast – we always joked about meeting up in Vegas, plus we were due for our two year reunion.  He seemed game at first, but then slowly drifted to stressed out, whiny and annoying.  Buzz kill.  He knew a friend would be mad if she couldn’t come so I said fine, so long as it means I get double birthday cake shots – then I reinvited the ex because dammit, it’s my birthday and I don’t want to share a bed with either one of them…and this ex knows I’ll knock him senseless if he touches me.  Then, the travel friend didn’t want her to come.  Then, he was trying to fly in or out of random places to save on a ticket.  And if the random place was too far, it would be too much to park the car (hello, off-site parking is really reasonable…just don’t park in the actual airport garage).  Just one thing after another to the point where I was fed up.  I told him figure it out sooner rather than later at which point he was more stuck in his world rather than being the least bit considerate about the AGAIN issue of finding someone on shorter notice than the current 6 week time frame I had.  I’ve run alone. I’ve celebrated my birthday alone. I’ve been to Vegas alone.  I didn’t need the constant whining just to get there.   Plus! A huge thing for me is that only ONE person has been there at ONE race to give me a hug when I finished…even if it wasn’t a good race for me (a lot of walking).  My long distance friend was more concerned about the jet lag and had no desire to see me finish (wohoo thanks for the support).  But still, the one person, yet another ex boyfriend (notice a trend) was there.  That relationship didn’t last long, but it is one of my more favorite memories of the times we spent together.  So I got desperate…and I opened the conversation to the ONE race supporter I ever had with “Do you want to jump off the Stratosphere with me?”  Because, yes, that is on my bucket list…and I know he’d do it.  As a matter of fact, I forbid him to do it without me when he went to Vegas.  We went round and round and I was trying to explain how there were three people in play…first to commit wins…but getting there was difficult because I can’t concentrate on one subject for more that 2 minutes.  The other person in play was a guy I’d been on a couple of dates with…who then, while discussing music, followed it with a text asking if I want to have morning sex (WTF – hello, 8 date rule girl here). UM NO! Crass, rude, poor taste…we weren’t on that level for it to be a joke no matter if that was how it was meant or not. But, I knew he’d jump – his bad for being slow as hell to respond.  I sent a “never mind, I found a taker” text eventually and haven’t heard from him since. Oh well.
Finally, after a poorly executed attempt to explain the hotel situation, the Stratospere jumper called out of frustration…and because he was driving.  I explained everything and then it all clicked.  However, I will never forget the slightly snobby tone in his voice when he asked, “Well, where is this hotel? Is it even on the strip?”  To which I replied slowly, “Um, yeah, uh (totally Office Space style) Caesar’s Palace.” BOOM he was in!  It still makes me giggle, especially since he was about to get his own room at one point because being around a bunch of people he didn’t know, including my other ex, would be uncomfortable for him.  I get that, so I assured him it was just me and him in two separate beds.  I’m sure the company (me) had nothing to do with his decision, but the place did.  However, the good news is that he is game to do the things I’m interested in doing.  Since we aren’t dating, I don’t expect him to come see me finish.  But it should be interesting to see the look on his face when I come back to the hotel room with TWO medals on…one from the USA Women’s Half Marathon and one that reads “It’s my birthday and I’ll run if I want to.”  And yes, I’m wearing the birthday one all night long!  I felt he would read into it too much, like the trip was something too special exes should be doing together or that I was trying to reconcile.  So I’d rather keep the birthday thing a secret…if he remembers, I’ll deal with it then, but otherwise…Saturday (September 15th) is going to be awesome.

While I agreed to go to Rehab at the Hard Rock Hotel on Sunday as opposed to Venus, the European style pool at Caesar’s Palace…I’m still itching to go to the topless pool.  I’m just slightly curious…oh well.

Less than a month a way! Wohoo!

It's Always Easier

 August 23, 2012
They say, “It’s always easier to get a job, when you have a job.”  Well, I have a job, and trying to get a better one (yes, I know the economy still sucks), is still NOT easy.  Getting an interview is semi easy.  I’ve worked for a small town police department for 5 years (my anniversary was this month – wohoo extra vacation), but it really is an entry level position with opportunity for ZERO growth.  As a matter of fact, shortly after I started, they did some serious rearranging and I was tasked with the duties of a senior person, and that person was then given my more minimal tasks.  That person didn’t get demoted, I didn’t get promoted.  I took the tasks and smiled, thinking it would get me somewhere.  I took Adobe Design classes hoping to help with communications and marketing, which I do for the PD, but that’s it for about $15k less a year than the person who does it for the Town.  I got my MBA in Marketing also thinking it would help.  Four years later, I’m still in the same position and the only pay increase I’ve had was a dinky COLA (I had one merit increase my first year) which I turned around and put into my flex spending account (because I’m a runner and a klutz  – I always have a medical bill of sorts).  Here is where is gets tricky.

I have a couple of wonderful friends (who are apparently better at these searches than I am) who want to help me find a better job. I have completed my application for a spiffy job.  Then I went to the temp agency…who wanted to put me in for the SAME job.  STRANGE!  I stressed the whole temp agency thing about how the company can just drop you without reason and then I left my secure job for nothing. Not that it matters, I was turned down for an interview, I’m guessing due to my lack of fire knowledge, but I work for a police department, I have a lot more basic concepts and more marketing education than required. Boo!

Now back to the PD.  I may be thrust in to the world of Networking.  Which, again, offers no pay increase for the moment (possibly eventually, but I would honestly be a hell of a lot more motivated to take it and run with it if I KNEW there was some kind of incentive to follow – the possibility of overtime doesn’t thrill me since I spend MOST of my off time working out and training with very little boredom in between).  I just don’t know how long that moment is supposed to last – I mean really…I’ve done so many other jobs that I my resume looks like a tornado because I don’t fall into any single, concentrated category.  I have NO IT/Networking experience what so ever other than setting up my wireless router with a bit of tech support.  I have apparently been a tremendous unknown asset to our IT guy …and he was leery about me being his “assistant”, but the person who advocated on my behalf explained I am self taught (true) and I can solve a lot of the dinky issues quickly.  However, a lot of these have to do with MS Office products, not really servers and cables and networks, oh my!  There is talk of being sent to the local college to take some classes…which I like that idea.  Beats paying for it out of my own pocket and waiting for tuition reimbursement (which is already exhausted this year).  Although freshly out of the MBA makes me want to burn my remaining text books and claw my eyes out with a spork.  Plus, I’m pretty sure technology will always be a high growth field.  I’m young (until my birthday rolls around next month and I start wallowing about my body breaking and my mind going).  I almost feel like trying to do this CRAZY multitask challenge that has been placed in front of me and slow down my external job search.  Then again, doing 85% of my co-workers job, helping with a hiring process that usually takes a good 70% of my time when in full swing, plus regular miscellaneous duties while attempting to shadow the IT guy over the next two months may drive me to drink (which boy, did I pick a crap time to cut beer from my diet for half marathon training!)  It’s just networking is FAR from my dream career and it would strip away the one thing I really enjoy about my job (creating pretty things like fliers, booklets and other print media).  I should also note that with my ADD and OCD tendencies, I may need to get some Adderall so I can focus long enough to find a single wire and follow it to the appropriate location…  Oh well, I suppose I should continue my research and maybe try a little bit of everything to see what tickles my fancy.  I’m just happy someone had faith in me that while I’m far from knowledgeable or experienced in this area, he thinks that I can do it and do it well.  Actually, I should explain it the way it was explained to me, “Sometimes you have to run at an electrical outlet a few times with a fork before you get it right, and you’re willing to do that.”  Hmmm…

Stripper shoe Friday may have to be more strategically planned in the near future.  I don’t think climbing a ladder in hooker heels is a wise decision.

One Head Light

August 8, 2012

Yes, you now have that old Wall Flowers song stuck in your head don’t you?!  Yeah, it’s stuck in mine…not even because I heard it but because this seemed like an appropriate title for the moment.

After running ET, I’m still a bit sore…and it’s Wednesday. I even took Monday off to relax and catch up on sleep and missed beer drinking opportunities.  I tried to climb out of bed to run yesterday.  It just didn’t work out.  I thought I’d come home and at least walk a few minutes on the treadmill.  That didn’t work out either.  Beer won.  Hey, I had to numb my thighs somehow.

I finally made it out the door at 4:20 am and got to running.  I bought this spiffy head light (I know the appropriate term is lamp, but I like making myself into a vehicle).  Today was the first day I wore the head light without a hat.  First, it’s MUCH more comfortable with a hat.  Lesson number one, learned.  Second, it is rather blinding without the hat because aiming it down to see whats on the ground in front of you lights up your face like you’re telling a scary story around a camp fire from when you were a kid. Number two, got it.   I saw more without the light.  I even tried the red lights (yes, I’m high tech like that), but I was still blind.  It appears to be staying darker longer these days…I swear just last week I could see daylight by the time I got home at 5 am, but not today.  It was still really dark.  However, I eventually gave up and took the stupid thing off my head.

Prior to taking off my head light, I realized motorcycle/scooter/moped people are the most annoying people to cross paths with when running.  Seriously! Only 2 wheeled vehicles get close enough to me to figure out what the bobbing light is in the world of darkness.  They have a WHOLE lane in the road! Wouldn’t you want to move away from the unknown light just in case it’s a drunk person on a motorcycle something or other?  How do you think they would like it if I swerved my car in their general direction just to see the foreign light better?!  I went out in day glow yellow with a head lamp that shined down the front of me and these jerkfaces are driving so close to me I’m in the weeds…that I can’t see because I’m blinded by my own light.  It was a scooter this morning.  I think I’ve seen him before. I think I might start placing large branches on the side of the road to randomly throw out to unsuspecting motorists who get too close.  That just gave me a great mental image

I survived my run this morning- obviously…but I’m going to start retaliating against these crap drivers.  I just need a plan…to take over the world!

From the Bus

August 5, 2012

Not a bad ride out to the middle of nowhere.  I’m a bit paranoid to get out and wander too far to watch the start of the crazy 51k people and full marathoners -  it’s dark.  I have no cell signal if the bus leaves without me.  Plus,  the bus bathroom is relatively unoccupied   Plus, there are flashes of light EVERYWHERE.  Most likely it is lightning, but with all the mountains and hills around here, I’m only seeing the “glow.”  This is Area 51 afterall.

Someone on here didn’t shower.  We haven’t run yet. There is no need to smell that bad this early in the game.  This has made me think about the ride back to civilization.  I’m hoping to be too exhausted to notice on the way home.  Eek.

The guy sitting in front of me is psyching me out.  He keeps panting and grunting while rolling out his muscles.  Who rolls out their muscles before running?  I’m new to running, but I thought this came after… I get warming up,  rolling and stretching,  but muscles are cold. Then body glide…. Things I didn’t think would be necessary to body glide.  Wtf.

We’re taking off again soon.  The bus is re populating.

Part 2 – After the half marathon

I finished relatively slower than expected.  Nothing like Nike+ to be off…. By 1/2 a mile… So needless to say I was way depressed passing actual mile markers.  My bursitis, calves, butt cheeks kept tightening so I stretched a lot.  I started feeling my groin muscle strain so I was trying to watch my form, but I realized I was too tired to concentrate…so walking it was!  Also – those people who write and say that hill the first 6 miles is gradual – my Fitbit said I’d climbed 91 flights of stairs – I’m going to call that hill at 80+ of it because the drive home could cause a few if it’s a rough patch in the road while “climbing”, plus bus and hotel stairs.  Gradual or not – it still killed me!
I made it to the finish line and finally found the back entrance to Little Al’E'Inn.  Gimme food! It was edible,  but it needed something…. Like serving utensils.  Biscuits,  sausages and veggies (zucchini and cauliflower… strange – usually carrots, cucumbers, cauliflower, celery…you know?) needed something so people’s fingers weren’t touching them. Gravy,  fruit and I think most of the pastry stuff had utensils. It was good enough,  but I really just wanted to go to bed.  That which doesn’t kill me, only makes me stronger!

I made my way to the Vegas bus after finding my bag (using CHAIRS as bus/bag drop markers bad idea at the end of a race). I decided I’d avoid changing because I had no desire to take my shoes off in a porta potty.  But I did use the bathroom on the bus.  Omg knock me over.  Since I was one of the last people on the bus,  I was near the toilet.  I gagged a few times.  I could barely pee because I was so tense trying not to die in a confined area.  It was awful.  At one point I think the air on the bus stopped circulating because the smell got super strong!  I wanted to BEG people not to use it and let the smell escape, but I was too tired.  You know some asshole is laughing about violating that toilet for poor exhausted runners to suffer through on the THREE hour trip back to hte Hard Rock.   I also had a panic moment when I woke up from my wedged window fetal position when I noticed the older lady next to me with her forehead against the seat in front of her.  She was fine…I wasn’t sure if I should have yelled for help or moved my stuff just incase she was bus sick.  Neither were the case…and I decided I was too tired to be a good semaritan.  Now back to this three hour trip – everything says its like a 2-2.5 hour trip from Vegas to Rachel, you’d assume Rachel to Vegas should be the same.  We made it out there in 2.25, but we were also about 20 miles from where we departed at the Little Al’E'Inn.  However, 20 miles should not have meant another 45 minutes!  We stopped a few times – I’m guessing our driver was lost.  Also – we hit a lot of those wake up strips on the way home…how is a girl supposed to BRRRRMMMMM sleep BRRRRRMMMMM so she can BRRRMMMMMM drive al lthe way back to Tucson on just BRRMMMMMM 3 hours of sleep after BRRRRRMMMMM running a half marathon?!  Needless to say – a bit rough getting back, but I am very grateful for what little sleep I did get.

All in all, I enjoyed myself.  I’d do it again next year, but since as far as I can tell, the loot is the same for ALL of the different distances, I’d probably just do the 10k one so I can be more discriminatory about the bus I ride to take me back to Vegas- and, I better start getting some supportive people in my life – as in SOMEONE had BETTER go with me next time.  Or seriously, I’ll post a “moooooo” on Facebook and all these people will never hear from me again.  They will be left to assume I’ve been abducted unless they spot me out in public somewhere.

ET Fun

August 4, 2012

Well,  last weekend in Vegas was pretty miserable.  It’s sad when you have more fun alone than with your company. The zip line with the deaf strangers (because there was a deaf expo going on)  was the most fun I’d had all weekend. It calmed my “eff you”  streak.

Now,  to make up for the crap weekend,  I’m back in Vegas as I type.  I couldn’t find anyone willing or able to make the drive with me,  but it’s ok.  I worked on perfecting my singing skills the whole way.

As for the purpose of being back in Vegas -  I’m catching a bus in about an hour to take me out near Area 51. There I will run the ET Full Moon Midnight half marathon.  Yes,  the race starts at 12:30 am. Yes,  I’m nuts.  But, running in the dark clears my mind.  An expensive trip to clear my mind.  I’m sure my copay at a shrink would only be $20, but I enjoy the crazy,  strange,  different runs!

For more happy thoughts -  posting on Facebook about coming back to Vegas,  a coworker offered up 2 free nights at Caesars Palace.  While I’m hoping to get enough sleep on the bus trips to get home, I can’t let those nights go to waste and he didn’t know anyone else going…. So I’ve signed up for another Vegas half marathon…. ON MY BIRTHDAY! How fantastically awesome is that? And it will totally redeem the crap trip from last weekend. This time,  I’ll have better company,  even if it’s just me.

I must find these buses now.  Just as soon as I figure out how to get out of this parking garage and back to the hotel. 

My Painful Zen Moment

July 26, 2012

I have suffered from ischial bursitis for about 10 months now.  Basically, I have an aching pain when I’m sitting or running right under my butt cheeks where my butt meets my legs.  The pain is annoying.  I’ve tried a TON of remedies with very little luck – physical therapy, anti-inflammatory meds (but who wants to be on meds forever – plus I like my beer, poor liver), ultrasound therapy, massage (kind of weird having someone rub your butt),  hamstring stretches and strengthening exercises, chiropractic, Fenzian treatment and cortisone shots.  I’ve had two cortisone treatments, three months apart, one in each bursa.  It’s not a particularly comfortable thing to have done, let alone the fact  you have to moon the doctor to do it!

These cortisone shots, while uncomfortable, seem to help for about six weeks.  What do people do in between shots or if the doctor misses the money spot?  I’m doing clams and leg lifts to strengthen the outside muscles.  They also help with the pain and stiffness after a run.  I do figure 4 stretches and hamstring stretches (although the figure 4 feels like it gives more relief to the area) prior to even getting out of bed in the morning.

Also, while I was at the doctor this morning, she said as a last resort, she has had a lot of success Platelet Rich Plasma Injection Therapy with other tendon related problems.  She only has one other ischial bursitis patient at the moment and the person is saving it for a last resort.  Insurance typically doesn’t cover it, but I might be able to get a predetermination letter and get insurance to approve it.  Anyone ever had such a treatment?  Results?

I could probably post this on some medical forum, but this was more fun and less work =P  Anywho, the relief I will soon feel will be my zen moment.  May it  last longer than the last time.  And yes, I fully intend to keep running!  I wouldn’t keep up with the shots, exercises and treatments otherwise. =P

Till later – I may report from my Vegas trip this weekend.  It depends on how quickly I lose my money.

Keeping the Peace

July 24, 2012

This morning started bright and early at 3:50 am…don’t judge because it takes me at least 20 minutes to get out of bed after the alarm goes off. I managed to squeeze in a work out yesterday and a short “wog” (walk/jog) this morning.  After syncing (and failing) my run to Facebook, I decided that maybe some of my Team Victorious ladies might be able to help me reach the goal of getting a “vanity URL” for Disordered Zen on Facebook.  I only need 13 more likes.  While I was trolling around on Team V’s page, I stumbled upon the list of virtual runs.  I signed up for the Pacific Northwest Virtual Half Marathon for some time in August.  If anyone wants to run with me, let me know.  I’m sure we can figure out something.  But hey, $20 and a pretty spiffy medal – I’ll take it.  I was so excited about it, I didn’t bother digging around for the document that listed all the virtual runs that had been found/compiled.  Afterwards, I found a Virtual 10k through Barking Mad About Running.  Take a look at that medal!  It’s FANTASTIC!  I’m a little less excited about a bag for completing a 10K for Run 10 Feed 10, but still might just do both.  Any who, fantasizing about runs to come makes the week a bit easier.  Only one more week before I can start them.  I think they will fit nicely into my Goofy Challenge Training Plan.

My next little bit of peace will come in the form of a road trip to Las Vegas this weekend! Wohoo!  Any great suggestions on free stuff to do?  Fremont Street is a must.  SRH Fest, here we come!

Oh, and before I go, go like the Disordered Zen page on Facebook